In many older Johannesburg homes, the most dangerous thing in the house is hidden in the walls: ageing wiring that was never meant to carry a modern home's load. Here's how to tell if yours needs attention.
The warning signs
- Frequent tripping and flickering lights
- Warm or discoloured sockets, or a burning smell
- Old cloth or rubber-insulated wiring
- An old fuse board rather than breakers, with no earth-leakage protection
- Too few sockets — extension leads everywhere
Several of these together suggest the wiring is past its safe life.
How to know for sure
An Electrical COC inspection is definitive: an electrician tests against SANS 10142 and reports what's unsafe or non-compliant. A fuse board, no earth leakage, and old cable are clear red flags.
Cost and staging
A full rewire is a significant job, but it can often be staged — fixing the dangerous, non-compliant parts first. It's far cheaper than an electrical fire, and essential for safety, insurance and selling.
Selling your home?
You need a valid Electrical COC to transfer; if old wiring fails, the non-compliant work (sometimes a partial rewire) must be fixed first. We inspect, advise honestly, and do the work — see DB board upgrades and electrical services, or book an inspection.